10 bold predictions for Alabama-Clemson

Clint Lamb| 2 years ago

Monday night’s Sugar Bowl between Alabama and Clemson is being hyped as one for the ages. It should be, considering the previous two games these teams gave us produced an average victory margin of only 4.5 points.

Remember, all of life’s greatest gifts come in threes: the original Star Wars trilogy, The Three Stooges and the band Hanson, which gave us arguably one of the greatest songs of all-time in “MMMBop.” Okay, that last one was a lie, but you get the point.

There are several intriguing story lines. Here are 10 bold — or, should we say … bowl’d — predictions that could end up playing a major role in which team earns its way into a third consecutive national championship appearance.

1. Hurts utilizes the tight end … again

Compared to the other 28 games he played in from 2015-16, former tight end O.J. Howard saw a drastic increase in utilization in both contests against Clemson.

Of the 1,197 yards receiving that he recorded in that two-year period, 26.2 percent (314) of it was earned against the Tigers. As if that wasn’t already impressive enough, three of his five touchdowns were as well.

The Tide’s top two tight ends — Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr. — have combined for only 195 yards on 19 receptions. Like with Howard, don’t be surprised if that changes come Monday night.

2. There won’t be an offensive explosion in the second half

There were a combined 151 points scored over the course of the past two games between Alabama and Clemson. Of those 151 points, 67.5 percent (102) were scored during the second half.

Clemson’s defense is better while its offense isn’t as capable of producing explosive plays against an elite Alabama defense without Deshaun Watson. Expect the second half to lack the offensive explosion we’ve grown accustomed to seeing.

3. Kelly Bryant makes a name for himself

Bryant isn’t going to put up anywhere near the numbers that Watson did during his two-game stretch against the Tide. The now Houston Texans quarterback averaged 470.5 total yards and four touchdowns, after all.

Bryant is still talented, however. He’ll make enough plays to at least earn people’s respect — even if it isn’t on Watson’s level.

4. Alabama racks up more sacks than Clemson

Clemson’s defensive line is littered with future NFL players, which has gone a long way in helping the Tigers become the nation’s sack leader (44 sacks) in 2017.

With that said, Alabama should have two of its top pass rushers back at full strength in Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller.

Clemson should be able to get to Hurts, but don’t be surprised if Alabama gets even more familiar with Bryant.

5. Hunter Renfrow has a quiet game

If there is one name that can scare Alabama fans as much as Deshaun Watson, it’s Renfrow … Hunter Renfrow.

The senior slot receiver has become a focal point for Clemson’s offense. It all started with performances against the Crimson Tide, too.

In two games, he’s hauled in 17 catches for 180 yards and four touchdowns, including this game-winning 2-yard touchdown last season:

6. Hurts produces more turnovers than TDs

One of the most impressive parts of Hurts sophomore season has been his ability to limit turnovers. Despite accounting for 23 touchdowns (15 passing, 8 rushing), he’s only coughed up the ball twice.

This Clemson defensive line is a different beast, however.

It’s possible that the Tigers are able to force Hurts into more turnovers than touchdowns for the first time this season.

7. Damien Harris produces another big run

Harris has taken a backseat recently to some of the other Alabama running backs after an impressive start to the season. He’s still the best bet to break off a big one against the Tigers, however.

The junior running back has already taken three of his 110 rushing attempts for 60-plus yards, which ties him for No. 6 in the nation.

After only rushing for 24 yards on five carries in last year’s game against Clemson, Harris rips off the longest gain of either team en route to leading both teams in rushing yards.

8. Nick Saban reveals a trick up his sleeve

Remember when Saban decided to create a massive shift in momentum by calling a surprise onside kick against Clemson in 2016? If not, here is the play that was crucial to Alabama’s victory in that game:

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Remember, all of life’s greatest gifts come in threes: the original Star Wars trilogy, The Three Stooges and the band RUSH, which gave us one of the greatest songs of all time in “Tom Sawyer”, one of the greatest instrumentals ever written in “La Villa Strangiato” and one of the greatest concept albums of all time in “2112”. There, the lie has been replaced with fact.